The Annapolis Group, a prestigious association of 104 colleges, has invited Westmont to join its ranks. The group includes residential, liberal arts institutions dedicated to undergraduate education. Other members include Claremont McKenna, Pomona and Occidental.

The presidents of Franklin & Marshall, Gettys-burg and Dickinson Colleges formed the Annapolis Group seven years ago. They wished to set themselves apart from large public universities that primarily focus on post-graduate degrees.

The group works cooperatively to assert the perspective of residential, liberal arts colleges and also promote the visibility of these institutions.

“We are delighted to be affiliated with such a distinguished group of colleges and look forward to working with them to advance the interests of undergraduates,” President David Winter said. “We believe studying the liberal arts in a residential setting is one of the most effective ways an undergraduate can learn.”